Vic Reeves and Victoria Wood for Morecambe & Wise movie

VIC Reeves and Victoria Wood are to star in a new BBC film about the comic duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise.

To be screened on BBC2, the film will focus on the comedy legends’ childhood and struggle to establish themselves in showbusiness. Filming is ongoing at the moment.

The project was conceived by Wood, who plays Morecambe’s mother, Sadie, alongside Reeves as his father, George.

She commented: “The drama also focuses on the strength of the bond between the two men.”

In a boost for the production, the film has already received the backing of the late comedians families, with Gary Morecambe, Eric’s son, telling the BBC website: “It’s such a genuine thrill to see a film about the early days of Morecambe and Wise being helmed by someone of the calibre of Victoria Wood,” said Gary Morecambe, Eric’s son. It is the greatest possible tribute to the double act.”

According to the BBC, the film will commence in the late ’30s, as the stars are growing up, and runs up until 1954 – the year their first TV series, Running Wild, began.

Owing to the timespan involved, three different actors were employed to portray the comedians at various stages in their lives.

Added Wood: “The casting has been a marathon. We were looking for a specific Eric or Ernie quality at each age and, once we found it, the rest was up to the make-up department to match their hair and eye colour.”

Morecambe and Wise’s partnership lasted until 1984, when Morecambe passed away, but their legacy continues today as they continue to inspire countless comedians. The memory of their shows continues to live on, too, with many of their routines assuming a timeless quality.